Cancer that has spread

Cancer that has spread from the part of the body where it started (called its primary site) to other parts of the body is called metastatic cancer. The cancer cells can travel to other places in the body through the bloodstream or through the lymph system.

Even when cancer has spread from one part of the body to another, it is still named after the part of the body where it started. For example, if prostate cancer spreads to the bones, it is still called prostate cancer, not bone cancer. If breast cancer spreads to the lungs it is still breast cancer, not lung cancer.

What does it mean when you have bone metastases?

Bones are a common place for spreading cancer cells to settle in and start growing. These bone metastases (often called "bone mets") can happen anywhere in the body, but they are mostly found in bones near the center of the body such as the spine, pelvis (hips), ribs, and skull.

Bone metastases are not the same as cancer that begins in the bones (primary bone cancer). Bone mets and primary bone cancer are very different. Primary bone cancer is much less common than bone mets.

Bone metastasis can only happen if you already have cancer somewhere else. Once cancer has spread to several places in the body it is rarely able to be cured, but often it can still be treated. Even if it can't be cured, treating the cancer may help you live longer and feel better. Other types of treatment can help prevent or manage cancer symptoms. (See the section, "How are bone metastases treated?")

Bone metastasis is one of the most common causes of pain in people with cancer. When a cancer spreads to the bone, it can make the bones weaker and even cause them to break. As the cancer cells damage the bones, calcium is released. This can lead to problems from high blood calcium levels. Bone mets may also cause other problems that can limit how well you can do the things you want and need to do.

Last Medical Review: 03/20/2007
Last Revised: 05/06/2009